Dentures Over Implants: When Is It the Better Option?

We hear from almost everyone that implants are better than dentures, and it’s easy to see why. Implants, as the name suggests, are permanent and fixed. You don’t have to worry about your false teeth falling accidentally out of your mouth while you’re talking, laughing, or eating. It’s also a one-time spend which, if given the right care, can last for years. Implants are also strong and function exactly like real, healthy teeth.

Many don’t realize that before you can get dental implants, you have to go through an evaluation first. At Finger Lakes Family Dental, we carry out a thorough evaluation procedure so that we can determine if implants are truly right for you.

Consider these examples below:

Immediate Need

Dentures are a lot faster to make. Dental technicians can fashion dentures in a few weeks, and you can proceed directly to your dentist for a final fitting. This makes them convenient if you wish to regain your normal smile as soon as possible.

Implants, on the other hand, take longer to craft. The entire process takes about 6 months. They’re composed of a titanium insert, an abutment (which may be titanium, porcelain, or gold), and a dental crown. Acquiring and recovering from a dental implant takes even longer because it requires surgery. In some cases, patients even need to be sedated.

Incompatible Jawbone Integrity

Dentists will recommend dentures instead of implants if they find that your jawbone is not in good shape.

Dental implants are 6-18mm long and, during surgery, dentists will screw them directly into the bone. If you don’t have enough bone mass or your bone density is too low, getting the procedure will do you more harm than good; dentures are your best option. If, however, you’re willing to undergo a jaw bone grafting procedure, you may qualify for dental implants later.

Bad Habits and Medical Conditions

Candidates for dental implants also have to be in good physical health. Chain smokers and people who take steroids usually don’t get approval for the procedure because the substances they bring into their bodies greatly reduce the implant surgery’s success rate.

You also won’t qualify for dental implants if you’re pregnant, undergoing treatments that affect your immune system, a diabetic, or suffering from parathyroid and blood disorders.

A Need for Economy

Quite simply, dentures are more affordable than implants. It is the most logical option if your dental insurance doesn’t cover implants. Many insurance companies don’t because implants fall under cosmetic dentistry, not basic dental services.

Dentures are the lowest-cost option for people who need teeth replacements. They’re quick to make, and you don’t need to undergo surgery to have them.

On average, dentures cost around $500-1,800 each. The price can go upwards to $4,000 if you choose to have a metal framework. In contrast, implants cost upwards of $2,500 per tooth, which doesn’t include the cost of the abutment and crown. Furthermore, insurers often cover 15-50% of its cost.

It pays to know your options for teeth replacements, and whether you qualify for them. But if you think your knowledge is basic at best, there’s no need to worry. We at Finger Lakes Family Dental will guide you through the entire process of regaining your smile. You can trust in the accurate assessments of our experienced and dependable dental team.